Presentation Boards

Summative Statement

This research project has provided me with the means of investigating an area of my practice which I have a great passion for. Botanical illustration has been explored entirely throughout various means of investigation. My knowledge on the subject greately improved, hoping to be an area I can explore further in my future practice.

For the practical element of this project, exploration of media, process and theory informed by an extensive body of contextual research, has been crucial in my understanding of the validity of this profession and its purpose not only throughout history but having advanced much of the scientific concepts we see today.

Practical techniques I have attempted include accurately observing an array of living plants, which can be seen throughout the accompanying visual journal to this project.

In addition to live observation, the collection and preservation of specimens has been critical when attempting the process of dissection and analytical study of plant life. Through creating a personal herbarium of collected plans from around and local to the Leeds area, this method has enabled me to feel informed through this investigation whilst experience almost becoming a scientist first hand.

Secondary research has provided me with insight into the extensive array of traditional and contemporary media processes used within the genre of botanical illustration and wider arts. The processes explored include paper cut and collage, gouache, pen and ink, digital editing software, flatbed scanning techniques and photography to name a few. What originally began as an investigation into which media best conveys botanical and scientific subjects, this very quickly grew into a large body of practical work of which i am proud of.

The proposed outcomes aim therefore encompass research and theories and my growing skill in being able to depict the plant form. My herbarium specimens have provided me with subject matter for the Leeds Winter Garden poster, created from reference using gouache. The aim of this poster attempts to not only appeal to a creative audience, bringing the specimens to life, it also intends to inspire the audience to document their own local plant life.

In addition,  the Rare & Fascinating Flora botanical poster aims to practice the important role of illustration in educating a non-expert audience on environmental topics such as the ‘fragility’ of plant species. This poster has enabled me to adhere to technological illustration processes, such as stippling and accurate composition of varying botanical elements. i have also been able to apply relevant research and reference material such as that found in the ICUN 2017 ‘Red List’ of critically endangered plant species. The purpose of this poster is therefore is educational, which appeals directly to my practice and how I see myself as an illustrator. 

The practical resolutions created for this project, combined with the visual journal and herbarium specimens, i consider successful, achieving synthesis of theory into practice whilst providing a comprehensive analysis of botanical illustration from a variety of critical and contextual perspectives. I would have liked to achieve a lot more throughout this work, collating further imagery into additional pieces - the proposals of which have been included in my physical submission.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this subject and COP3 module and feel it has greatly impacted the direction of practice which I hope to carry forward throughout the remainder of my lime at LAU.

Practical Primary Research - Herbarium Specimens

I have great fun collecting my own plant material to inform my practice and practical outcome. Through the pressing of plants found around Leeds, I have been able to employ a variety of practical approaches and theories found within my research - such as dissection and scientific observation. What I like most about my personal herbarium is the ability to study a specimen in close detail with no limits of time or pressure - often experienced when observing and creating artwork out in nature. Also the shapes of each plant are really inspiring and I hope t be able to make use of the specimens in future projects.

Further Practical Research - Kew Gardens Report

Final Artwork and reflection

In reflection upon my artwork created for this project, I consider the full body to be my final outcome as it is difficult to ignore the breadth of different approaches I have investigated. I consider the work in my visual journal to have contributed greatly in my understanding of the diversity of the genre of botanical illustration and its ability to adapt to many different mediums and purposes. 

i had a lot of fun creating my own personal herbarium of plants found around Leeds. I have never dried specimens as purposefully as this before and being able to preserve a plant for proper artistic scrutiny has something magical about it - aside for the value gained observing a living specimen in nature. 

Finally the posters created for the outcome of the project aim to bring this body of work - and the focus of this research, into our modern day. I see a great potential for botanical illustrators in their ability to break complex theories down into easily manageable and aesthetically pleasing parts. The aesthetics of botanical illustration seems unrivalled as the profession chooses to depict the most popular visual subject. Saying this I do feel there can be a deeper more urgent purpose to the field, and through creating the Rare poster specifically, I wanted to draw attention, through accuracy and detailed depiction, to the problem that is our loss of floral wealth and habitat.

i find a lot of pleasure creating a deeper meaning or message within my work, and this project has provided the platform for me to do so. I look forward to putting into practice the variety f processes and theories I have learnt, in future practical projects.

COP3 Extended Essay

Practical proposal and synthesis rationalle

I have had a think about the imagery I want to create for this project. Although extensive and diverse, considering each outcome and how it relates to my research has been beneficial in determining where I want to take this project.

Practical research

Artist and Botanist - Todays relationship

Artists and illustrators along with botanists at KEW - keeping the tradition of the genre and this close relationship alive today

Embedded slides (below):

from: https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/scientific-botanical-illustration.html

Lucy Smith "Joseph Hooker and his Artist Walter Hood Fitch: the continuing tradition of botanist and artist collaboration". Joseph Hooker bicentenary conference, RBG Kew. from Virginia Mills